Height adjustment bracket for roof applications

ABSTRACT

A roof mount for mounting at least one solar panel to a roof surface including a base. The roof mount includes a clamp connected to the base and a first recess sized to support a first solar panel. The first recess has a first height extending between a first top flange and a first bottom flange. The clamp also includes a second recess sized to support one of a second solar panel and a skirt flange. The second recess has a second height extending between a second top flange and a second bottom flange. The roof mount further includes a fastener connected to the clamp. The second fastener is operable to adjust the first and second heights, such that upon tightening of the second fastener, the first height increases and the second height decreases, and upon loosening of the second fastener, the first height decreases and the second height increases.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/928,235, filed on Oct. 30, 2015 (the '235 Application). The'235 application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/238,517, filed Oct. 7, 2015, and to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/134,205, filed Mar. 17, 2015, andto U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/131,480, filed Mar. 11,2015, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/106,410, filedJan. 22, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/106,406, filed Jan. 22, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/106,282, filed Jan. 22, 2015, and to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/073,867, filed Oct. 31, 2014, the entirecontents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a roof mount system for mounting atleast one object above a roof surface.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the invention provides a roof mount for mounting atleast one solar panel to a roof surface including a base positioned onthe roof surface and coupled to the roof surface. The base defines aslot extending in a first direction, wherein the first direction extendssubstantially parallel to the roof surface. The roof mount also includesa first fastener having a head positioned in the slot and moveable alongthe slot in the first direction, and a shaft extending in a seconddirection, wherein the second direction extends substantiallyperpendicular to the roof surface. The roof mount further includes aclamp connected to the base by the first fastener, a distance betweenthe clamp and the base is adjustable in the second direction. The clampincludes a first recess sized to receive and support a first solarpanel. The first recess is defined between a first top flange and afirst bottom flange. The first recess has a first height extendingbetween the first top flange and the first bottom flange. The firstheight is adjustable. The clamp also includes a second recess sized toreceive and support one of a second solar panel and a skirt flange. Thesecond recess is defined between a second top flange and a second bottomflange. The second recess has a second height extending between thesecond top flange and the second bottom flange. The second height isadjustable. The roof mount further includes a second fastener connectedto the clamp. The second fastener is operable to adjust the first andsecond heights, such that upon tightening of the second fastener, thefirst height increases and the second height decreases, and such thatupon loosening of the second fastener, the first height decreases andthe second height increases.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a roof mount for mounting atleast one solar panel to a roof surface. The roof mount includes a basepositioned on the roof surface and connected to the roof surface. Thebase defines a slot extending along a first axis, and the first axisextends substantially parallel to the roof surface. A first fastener hasa head positioned in the slot and capable of moving in the slot alongthe first axis, and a shaft which extends along a second axis. Thesecond axis extends substantially perpendicular to the roof surface. Aclamp is connected to the base by the first fastener and a distancebetween the clamp and the base along the second axis is adjustable. Theclamp includes a first bottom flange that supports a first solar panel,a second bottom flange that supports one of a second solar panel and askirt flange, a resilient wall positioned between the first and secondbottom flanges, a first top flange positioned at a first height relativeto the first bottom flange, and a second top flange positioned at asecond height relative to the second bottom flange. A second fastener isconnected to the clamp and upon tightening of the second fastener, theresilient wall deflects in a first direction thereby increasing thefirst height and decreasing the second height, and upon loosening of thesecond fastener, the resilient wall deflects in a second directionopposite to the first direction thereby decreasing the first height andincreasing the second height.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of solar panels coupled to a roof by aplurality of mounting brackets according to some embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 with some of the solarpanels removed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a mounting bracket according to some embodiments ofthe invention coupled to the roof by a fastener.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 3 includinga removable skirt bracket.

FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a first exploded view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 4 withthe skirt bracket removed.

FIG. 7 is a second exploded view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 4 withthe skirt bracket removed.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 4 with the skirtbracket removed.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the mounting bracket taken alongline 9-9 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a left side view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 4 with theskirt bracket removed.

FIG. 11 is a right side view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 4 with theskirt bracket removed.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 4.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a portion of the mounting bracket of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a partial exploded view of a skirt and the mounting bracketof FIG. 4.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the skirt coupled to the mounting bracket ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket coupled to removableskirt brackets according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a top view of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 17 with theskirt brackets removed.

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of the mounting bracket taken alongline 20-20 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket according to someembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of the mounting bracket taken alongline 23-23 of FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a front view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 21.

FIG. 25 is a front view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a right side view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 21.

FIG. 27 is a left side view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 21.

FIG. 28 is a side view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 21 including askirt bracket coupled to a skirt.

FIG. 29 is a detailed view of the mounting bracket, the skirt bracket,and the skirt of FIG. 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any independent embodiments of the invention are explained indetail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement ofcomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thefollowing drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and ofbeing practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is tobe understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is forthe purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Theuse of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereofherein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalentsthereof as well as additional items.

Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,”“supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly andencompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, andcouplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted tophysical or mechanical connections or couplings.

Also, it is to be understood that phraseology and terminology usedherein with reference to device or element orientation (such as, forexample, terms like “central,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” etc.)are only used to simplify description of embodiments of the presentinvention and do not alone indicate or imply that the device or elementreferred to must have a particular orientation. In addition, terms suchas “first” and “second” are used herein for purposes of description andare not intended to indicate or imply relative importance orsignificance.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a roof mount system 10 including a roof 12, aplurality of solar panels 14, a plurality of mounting brackets 16,flashing 18 and a skirt 21. The solar panels 14 are mounted to the roof12 via the plurality of mounting brackets 16. In the illustratedembodiment, the solar panels 14 are orientated in a grid array. Thesolar panels 14 are coupled to the mounting brackets 16 located in acorresponding grid array on the roof 12. In particular, the mountingbrackets 16 are coupled to the solar panels 14 on the periphery of themajor (e.g., horizontal) length of the solar panels 14. Furthermore, themounting brackets 16 are secured to the roof 12 by a roof fastener 20(FIG. 3). In other embodiments, the roof mount system 10 may secureother components to the roof 12 in addition to or in lieu of the solarpanels 14.

The illustrated mounting brackets 16 are constructed to connect a singlesolar panel 14 to the roof 12 or to connect a plurality of solar panels14 to the roof 12. The illustrated mounting brackets 16 can also couplea plurality of solar panels 14 together. In addition, the mountingbrackets 16 can support the skirt 21 on the roof 12. The illustratedskirt 21 may extend along the entire length of the solar panels 14 atthe bottom of the array of solar panels 14. For example, the skirt 21 islocated near a gutter system (not shown) or outer perimeter of the roof12. The skirt 21 provides a barrier between the ambient environmentsurrounding the solar panels 14 and the area located between the roof 12and the solar panels 14. For example, the skirt 21 is utilized toinhibit a substantial pressure differential between the ambientenvironment and an area under the solar panels 14.

The flashing 18 is positioned between the mounting brackets 16 and theroof 12 to inhibit leakage of fluids (e.g., rain water, snow, etc.)through the roof 12 while providing a structure to which the mountingbrackets 16 are securely mounted. The flashing 18 is described in detailin U.S. Pat. No. 8,209,914, issued Jul. 3, 2012, the contents of whichare herein incorporated by reference.

With reference to FIGS. 3-16, the mounting bracket 16 includes a slide28, standoff 30, a clamp 44, an adapter or skirt bracket 46, and anadjustment assembly 48 (FIG. 6). The illustrated slide 28 abuts theflashing 18 and both are secured to the roof 12 by the roof fastener 20received through a mounting aperture 60 (FIGS. 12 and 13). The slide 28includes upper and lower grooves that engage upper and lower protrusionsof the standoff 30 such that the standoff 30 is movable along a firstaxis 31 relative to the slide 28 (FIG. 3). The first axis 31 extendssubstantially parallel to the roof 12. The standoff 30 is selectivelyfixed relative to the slide 28 by a locking bolt 49 (FIG. 6). In theillustrated embodiment, the slide 28 and the standoff 30 form a base forsupporting at least one solar panel above the roof 12. The illustratedlocking bolt 49 may also function as a grounding bolt to electricallyconnect the slide 28 to the standoff 30 to enable electrical current toflow therebetween.

The illustrated clamp 44 defines a unitary, monolithic componentincluding a lower central portion 51, a first support flange 69, asecond support flange 70, and a resilient wall or a first uprightportion 72. The lower central portion 51 and the resilient wall 72 arepositioned between the support flanges 69, 70. The illustrated firstsupport flange 69 includes a depression 74, and the illustrated secondsupport flange 70 includes teeth 71 adjacent a divider 75 positionedbetween the teeth 71 and the central portion 51. The illustrated lowercentral portion 51 includes apertures 82 with one of the apertures beinga threaded aperture and the other aperture being a non-threadedaperture.

A first upper clamp flange 86 and an upper central portion 53 extendoppositely from the wall 72. The upper central portion 53 is coupled toa second upright portion 55 and the second upright portion 55 is coupledto a second upper clamp flange or skirt flange 90. The illustrated uppercentral portion 53 defines apertures 94 and extends from the wall 72between the first upper clamp flange 86 and the lower central portion51. The illustrated second upright portion 55 is oriented generallyparallel to the wall 72, and the illustrated second upper clamp flange90 extends generally parallel to the first upper clamp flange 86. In theillustrated embodiment, a gap 61 is positioned between the divider 75and the upper central portion 53, and the wall 72 is the only componentthat connects the clamp flanges 86, 90, the second upright portion 55,and the upper central portion 53 to the lower central portion 51. Inaddition, a channel 98 is formed below the support flanges 69, 70extending towards the standoff 30. The clamp 44 is moveable relative tothe standoff 30 along a second axis 102 with the second axis 102generally perpendicular to the plane defined by the roof 12 (FIG. 3).

With reference to FIG. 10, the illustrated first upper clamp flange 86is spaced from the first support flange 69 to define a first recess 99spanning a first distance 96. The illustrated second upper clamp flange90 is spaced from the second support flange 70 to define a second recess100 spanning a second distance 97. The second distance 97 is greaterthan the first distance 96 when the mounting bracket 16 is not coupledto a solar panel 14.

In some embodiments, as described in detail below, the mounting bracket16 may include contacts that protrude from the clamp flanges 86, 90toward the corresponding support flange 69, 70. In further embodiments,the contacts may protrude from the support flange 69, 70 toward thecorresponding clamp flange 86, 90. The contacts provide directengagement between the mounting bracket 16 and the solar panels 14enabling electrical current to flow therebetween.

With reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 13-16, the skirt bracket 46 includes achannel 106 that is sized to receive the second upper clamp flange 90and the second upright portion 55. The channel 106 has teeth 110 thatare configured to engage the teeth 92 of the second clamp flange 90. Theillustrated skirt bracket 46 also includes a clamp surface 114positioned adjacent the upper central portion 53 and a top surface 122between a rail 118 and fingers 120 both extending away from the topsurface 122 (FIG. 14). The top surface 122 includes a threaded aperture124 extending towards the clamp surface 114 (FIG. 5). The illustratedskirt bracket 46 extends from the second upper clamp flange 90 to thesecond support flange 70 with the skirt bracket 46 including teeth 126configured to engage the teeth 71. In other embodiments, a roughenedsurface may replace the teeth 71, 92, 110, 126 to provide an increase incoefficient of friction between the engagement of teeth 92, 110 andteeth 71, 126. The illustrated teeth 126 are separated into two portionsby a raised surface 130 providing clearance between the teeth 71 and theskirt bracket 46. The illustrated raised surface 130 extends the entirewidth of the skirt bracket 46 and is configured to provide clearance forthe electrical contacts, so the skirt bracket 46 can slide relative tothe clamp 44. In other embodiments, the raised surface 130 may onlyextend partially the width of the skirt bracket 46. The illustratedskirt bracket 46 also includes a channel 134 that extends below thesecond support flange 70 and away from the second clamp flange 90.

With reference to FIG. 6, the illustrated adjustment assembly 48includes a stud 138, an adjustment nut 142 having a protrusion 146, afastener 150, and an insert 154. The stud 138 is fixed to and extendsfrom the standoff 30 with the clamp 44 received on the stud 138. Theadjustment nut 142 is received through one of the apertures 82, e.g.,the non-threaded aperture, with the corresponding aperture 94 providingaccess to the adjustment nut 142 to rotate the adjustment nut 142. Theillustrated insert 154 slidably engages the channel 98 below theadjustment nut 142 for the protrusion 146 to abut the insert 154 to holdthe adjustment nut 142 in place within the aperture 82. The adjustmentnut 142 and the insert 154 are both received on the stud 138. Theillustrated fastener 150 threadably engages the threaded aperture 82through the aperture 94. In the illustrated embodiment, the threadedaperture 82—and ultimately the fastener 150—is spaced from the wall 72.In other words, the fastener 150 is offset relative to the wall 72.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the skirt 21 is connectable to themounting bracket 16 via the skirt bracket 46. The illustrated skirt 21includes a snow guard 151, a skirt flange 158 having a slot 162, and alower projection 166 extending away from the upper projection 158. Thelower projection 166 is sized to be received within the channel 134 andthe upper projection 158 is configured to abut the top surface 122 withthe slot 162 engaging the rail 118. In the illustrated embodiment, afastener 170 engages the threaded aperture 124 for a portion of thefastener 170 to engage the upper projection 158 and the finger 120 toclamp the upper projection 158 against the top surface 122. In otherembodiments, the skirt 21 and the skirt bracket 46 may be one integralcomponent.

In operation of securing the solar panels 14 to the mounting brackets16, the clamp 44 is adjusted to a desired height above the roof 12 byrotating the adjustment nut 142 with a socket wrench or the like that isreceived through the corresponding aperture 94. By rotating theadjustment nut 142 relative to the stud 138, the clamp 44 translatesalong the second axis 102 because the protrusion 146 is constrainedbetween the clamp 44 and the insert 154. A first solar panel 14 isplaced on the second support flange 70 such that an edge of the firstsolar panel 14 abuts the divider 75 and the second upright portion 55.The teeth 71 increase the coefficient of friction between the firstsolar panel 14 and the clamp 44 to prevent the first solar panel 14 fromslipping off of the second support surface 70. In the illustratedembodiment, the height of the first solar panel 14 is less than thedistance 97 so that the teeth 92 of the second clamp flange 90 aredisengaged from the first solar panel 14 when the first solar panel 14is parallel to the second support flange 70.

Once the first solar panel 14 is supported on the second support surface70, the fastener 150, which extends through the aperture 94 and thethreaded aperture 82, is tightened to clamp the clamp 44 onto the firstsolar panel 14. In particular, the fastener 150 is tightened by the samesocket wrench that engages the adjustable nut 142. As the fastener 150is tightened, a moment force acts on the resilient wall 72 because thefastener 150 is offset from the resilient wall 72, which deflects thewall 72 and the upper central portion 53 towards the divider 75. Assuch, the second distance 97 decreases for the second upper clamp flange90 to clamp onto the first solar panel 14 to fix the first solar panel14 to the mounting bracket 16. At the same instance when the wall 72 andthe upper central portion 53 deflect towards the divider 75, the firstdistance 96 increases. The increased first distance 96 creates enoughclearance between the first support flange 69 and the first upper clampflange 86 for an edge of a second solar panel 14 to engage thedepression 74. Specifically, the solar panel 14 is oriented at an acuteangle relative to the roof 12, before the second solar panel 14 isrotated downwardly to contact the first support surface 69, therebyclamping the second solar panel 14 between the first clamp flange 86 andthe first support surface 69. The illustrated mounting bracket 16 allowsan operator to tighten the fastener 150 once to secure two solar panels14 to the mounting bracket 16 at different instances in time. Incontrast, as the fastener 150 is loosened to remove the solar panels 14from the mounting bracket 16, the first distance 96 decreases and thesecond distance 97 increases.

FIGS. 17-20 illustrate a clamp 244 according to another embodiment. Theclamp 244 is similar to the clamp 44; therefore, like components havebeen given like reference numbers incremented by 200 and only thedifferences between the clamps will be discussed in detail. In addition,components or features described with respect to only one or some of theembodiments described herein are equally applicable to any otherembodiments described herein.

The illustrated clamp 244 includes skirt brackets 246, a lower centralportion 251, a first support flange 269, a second support flange 270,and a resilient wall 272. The illustrated first support flange 269includes a depression 274, and the illustrated second support flange 270includes teeth 271 adjacent a divider 275. The illustrated lower centralportion 251 defines a first central aperture 277 and two threadedapertures 282.

A first upper clamp flange 286 and an upper central portion 253 extendoppositely from the wall 272 with the upper central portion 253 coupledto a second upright portion 255 and the second upright portion 255coupled to a second upper clamp flange 290. The illustrated uppercentral portion 253 includes a second central aperture 279 concentricwith the first central aperture 277, and apertures 294 that areconcentric with the threaded apertures 282. In the illustratedembodiment, a gap 261 is positioned between the divider 275 and theupper central portion 253. In addition, a channel 298 is formed belowthe lower central portion 251 extending towards the roof 12.

With reference to FIG. 19, the illustrated first upper clamp flange 286is spaced from the first support flange 269 by a first distance 296defining a first recess 299, and the illustrated second upper clampflange 290 is spaced from the second support flange 270 by a seconddistance 297 defining a second recess 300.

In some embodiments, as described in detail below, the clamp 244 mayinclude contacts (not shown) that protrude from the clamp flanges 286,290 toward the corresponding support flange 269, 270. In furtherembodiments, the contacts may protrude from the support flange 269, 270toward the corresponding clamp flange 286, 290. The contacts providedirect engagement between the mounting bracket 216 and the solar panels14 enabling electrical current to flow therebetween.

The illustrated clamp 244 includes two skirt brackets 246 each having achannel 306 with teeth 310, a clamp surface 314, a rail 318, fingers320, and a top surface 322 having a threaded aperture 324. Theillustrated skirt brackets 246 also include teeth 326 configured toengage the teeth 271 and are separated into two portions by a raisedsurface 330. The illustrated skirt brackets 246 further include achannel 334 that extends below the second support flange 270. In otherembodiments, the skirt brackets 246 may be one skirt bracket extendingthe substantial length of the mounting bracket 216.

The illustrated adjustment assembly 248 includes fasteners 350 thatthreadably engage the apertures 282 and extending through the apertures294. In other embodiments, at least one insert, similar to the insert154, that includes a threaded aperture may be received within thechannel 298 to threadably engage at least one fastener.

In operation, the mounting bracket 216 can couple two solar panels 14together, four solar panels 14 together, or two solar panels 14 incombination with at least one skirt 21 together. The mounting bracket216 provides support to adjacent solar panels 14 and/or adjacent skirts21 without coupling the mounting bracket 216 directly to the roof 12.When clamping the mounting bracket 216 onto solar panels 14, the processis similar to the mounting bracket 16 as described above.

FIGS. 21-29 illustrate a mounting bracket 416 according to anotherembodiment. The mounting bracket 416 is similar to the mounting bracket16; therefore, like components have been given like reference numbersincremented by 400 and only the differences between the mountingbrackets will be discussed in detail. In addition, components orfeatures described with respect to only one or some of the embodimentsdescribed herein are equally applicable to any other embodimentsdescribed herein.

The illustrated mounting bracket 416 includes a base 428, a clamp 444, askirt bracket 446 (FIG. 28), and an adjustment assembly 448 (FIG. 22).The illustrated base 428 defines unitary, monolithic constructionincluding a first portion 452 that is substantially parallel with theroof 12, a second portion 456 having arms 457 that are substantiallyperpendicular with the roof 12, and a portion 463 connecting the arms457 together. The illustrated first portion 452 includes a mountingaperture 460 (FIG. 23) located closer to an edge of the base 428 ratherthan being centered on the base 428. The mounting aperture 460 is sizedto receive a fastener, such as the roof fastener 20, such that the base428 is rotatable relative to the roof 12. Each illustrated arm 457includes a ridge 468 extending towards the first portion 452 with thearms 457 and the portion 463 defining a channel 464 extending the entirelength of the base 428. The channel 464 generally defines a “T” shapedopening. In other embodiments, the ridges 468 may be located on the topsurface of the arms 457 extending away from the first portion 452. Infurther embodiments, the ridges 468 may be located on the top and bottomsurfaces of the arms 457.

The illustrated clamp 444 includes a lower central portion 451, a firstsupport flange 469, a second support flange 470, and a resilient wall472. The lower central portion 451 and the resilient wall 472 arepositioned between the support flanges 469, 470. The illustrated firstsupport flange 469 includes a depression 474, and the illustrated secondsupport flange 470 includes teeth 471 adjacent a divider 475. Theillustrated lower central portion 451 defines apertures 482. A firstupper clamp flange 486 and an upper central portion 453 extendoppositely from the wall 472 with the upper central portion 453 coupledto a second upright portion 455 and the second upright portion 455coupled to a second upper clamp flange 490. The illustrated uppercentral portion 453 defines apertures 494. In the illustratedembodiment, a gap 461 is positioned between the divider 475 and thesecond upright portion 455. In addition, a channel 498 is formed belowthe support flanges 469, 470 extending towards the base 428 with theclamp 444 moveable relative to the base 428 along a second axis 502.

With reference to FIG. 26, the illustrated first upper clamp flange 486is spaced from the first support flange 469 by a first distance 496defining a first recess 499, and the illustrated second upper clampflange 490 is spaced from the second support flange 470 by a seconddistance 497 defining a second recess 500.

The illustrated clamp 444 also includes contacts 504 that protrude fromthe clamp flanges 486, 490 towards the corresponding support flange 469,470. In other embodiments, the contacts 504 may protrude from thesupport flange 469, 470 toward the corresponding clamp flange 486, 490.The contacts 504 provide direct engagement between the mounting bracket416 and the solar panels 14 enabling electrical current to flowtherebetween.

With reference to FIGS. 28 and 29, the skirt bracket 446 includes achannel 506 having teeth 510. The illustrated skirt bracket 446 alsoincludes a clamp surface 514 and a top surface 522 having a threadedaperture 524 positioned between a rail 518 and fingers 520. Theillustrated skirt bracket 446 extends from the upper clamp flange 490 tothe second support flange 470 with the skirt bracket 446 including teeth526 configured to engage the teeth 471. In other embodiments, aroughened surface may replace the teeth 471, 492, 510, 526. Theillustrated skirt bracket 446 also includes a channel 534 that extendsbelow the second support flange 470 and away from the second clampflange 490.

The illustrated adjustment assembly 448 includes a stud 538, anadjustment nut 542 having a protrusion 546, a fastener 550, an insert554, and a lock nut 559. The stud 538 includes a head 556 sized to bereceived within the channel 464 of the base 428, and the stud 538extends from the base 428 with the lock nut 559 received on the stud 538between the base 428 and the clamp 444. As the lock nut 559 is tightenedonto the stud 538, the head portion 556 and/or the lock nut 559 deformsthe ridges 468 so that the stud 538 does not move relative to the base428. The clamp 444 is received on the stud 538 via the non-threadedaperture 482. The adjustment nut 542 is also received through thenon-threaded aperture 482 with the corresponding aperture 494 providingaccess to the adjustment nut 542. The insert 554 slidably engages thechannel 498 below the adjustment nut 542. The illustrated insert 554abuts the protrusion 546 to hold the adjustment nut 542 in place withinthe aperture 482. The adjustment nut 542 and the insert 554 are bothreceived on the stud 538. The fastener 550 is received through the otheraperture 494 to engage the threaded aperture 482.

With reference to FIGS. 28 and 29, a skirt 421 is connectable to themounting bracket 416 via the skirt bracket 446. The illustrated skirt421 includes a snow guard 551, an upper projection 558 having a slot562, and a lower projection 566 extending away from the upper projection558. The lower projection 566 is sized to be received within the channel534 and the upper projection 558 is configured to abut the top surface522 with the slot 562 engaging the rail 518. In the illustratedembodiment, a fastener 570 engages the threaded aperture 524 for aportion of the fastener 570 to engage the upper projection 558 and thefingers 520 to clamp the upper projection 558 against the top surface522. In other embodiments, the skirt 421 and the skirt bracket 446 maybe one integral component.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A solar panel clamp, comprising: apedestal; a support shelf including, a first body portion, a shelfportion extending from the body portion, a channel defined in the bodyportion; a top clamp including, a second body portion, a clamp portionextending from the second body portion, wherein the shelf portion isdisposed below the clamp portion to form a recess that is configured toreceive a solar panel; and a leveling element disposed in the channeland configured to carry the support shelf, wherein a distance betweenthe solar panel clamp and a roof surface changes in response toactuating the leveling element in response to the solar panel clampbeing installed on the roof surface, and wherein the support shelfchanges position relative to the pedestal in response to actuating theleveling element.
 2. The solar panel clamp of claim 1, wherein thepedestal comprises at least one of threads or teeth.
 3. The solar panelclamp of claim 2, wherein the leveling element is configured to engagethe at least one of the threads and the teeth.
 4. The solar panel clampof claim 1, wherein the solar panel clamp is mounted on a slide.
 5. Thesolar panel clamp of claim 4, wherein the slide comprises a top, abottom a first side and a second side; a first channel defined in thefirst side, wherein the first channel extends along a length of theslide; a second channel defined in the second side, wherein the secondchannel extends along the length of the slide; a hole defined throughthe; wherein the slide is configured to be attached to a roof surfacewith a fastener that is installable through the hole.
 6. The solar panelclamp of claim 1, wherein the leveling element is at least one of a nut,or a fastener.
 7. The solar panel clamp of claim 1, wherein the levelingelement is accessible through a hole defined in the top clamp.
 8. Thesolar panel clamp of claim 1, wherein the leveling element is capturedin the channel in response to the support shelf being installed on thepedestal.
 9. The solar panel clamp of claim 1, wherein the levelingelement is actuated to change the height of the solar panel clamp inresponse to a solar panel being installed in the solar panel clamp. 10.The solar panel clamp of claim 1, wherein the support shelf and the topclamp are formed as a single piece.
 11. A roof mount, comprising: a basecomprising at least one of threads or teeth; a clamp assembly, includinga support shelf including, a first body portion, a shelf portionextending from the body portion, a slot defined in the body portion; atop clamp including, a second body portion, a clamp portion extendingfrom the second body portion, wherein the support shelf and top clampdefine a recess between the shelf portion and the clamp portion that isconfigured to receive and retain a solar panel; and a leveling elementdisposed within the slot of the support shelf and configured to carrythe support shelf, the leveling element configured to engage at leastone of the threads and the teeth, wherein the leveling element isaccessible from a top side of the clamp assembly, the leveling elementconfigured to adjust the vertical position of the clamp assemblyrelative to the base.
 12. The roof mount of claim 11, wherein the solarpanel clamp is mounted on a slide.
 13. The roof mount of claim 12,wherein the slide comprises a top, a bottom a first side and a secondside; a first channel defined in the first side, wherein the firstchannel extends along a length of the slide; a second channel defined inthe second side, wherein the second channel extends along the length ofthe slide; a hole defined through the slide; wherein the slide isconfigured to be attached to a roof surface with a fastener that isinstallable through the hole.
 14. The roof mount of claim 12, whereinflashing is disposed below the slide in response to the roof mount beinginstalled on a roof surface.
 15. The roof mount of claim 11, whereinflashing and a slide are secured to the roof surface with a fastener anda seal.
 16. The roof mount of claim 11, wherein the clamp assembly isformed as a single piece.